High water levels having an impact on homeless encampments in London, Ont.
Story continues below advertisement “As climate crisis worsens, so does conditions for people living outdoors,” Jacyln Seeler, executive director of the London Homeless Coalition, wrote in an email. “Whether that is under a hot summer sun in a heat alert, a cold weather alert or high levels of water pushing out their self-sheltering, the solution is a continuum of housing options based on need.
”She stressed the importance of “talking about the desperate need for safe and affordable housing,” saying that housing should be prioritized as a human right. Sean Horrell, an outreach coordinator with 519 Pursuit, has been in constant contact with those living along the Thames River. He says “some are feeling very lucky that their tent wasn’t four feet closer to the riverbank, because those guys are the ones who survived with dry feet.”“One gentleman, in particular, had his feet in freezing water for four hours one night and wound up getting frostbite on both of his feet,” Horrell said. “When you’re trying to survive outdoors, there is physical safety, and there’s mental health safety that exists. “Every day is a struggle to survive,” he continued. “Some people took a really hard hit and are lucky to be alive.” Horrell said the “best advice” the unhoused population is given is not to be seen. He added that unfortunately, that creates a challenge for homeless advocate groups, such as 519 Pursuit and the London Homeless Coalition, who have to find those in need in order to help them. “When people are camping in the public park systems or maybe someplace downtown and are asked to move along, often the only place they can find where they’re not going to be seen is along the riverbanks,” Horrell said.
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